* Link Unavailable. This site is no longer active and available to view on line. But the info was good and we wanted to keep sharing it!
Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Universtiy
Author: Tim Roberts, Former Extension Specialist, Food Safety, Virginia Tech; Contact Person: Dr. Eleanor Schlenker.
Publication Number 348-965, Revised September 2004
Why Wash Hands?
Failure to adequately wash hands is a major cause of infectious diseases. Individuals who practice poor personal hygiene while preparing food may spread diseases such as hepatitis A, salmonellosis, and shigellosis. Studies indicate that one-third (33%) of people do not wash their hands after using the restroom.
When To Wash Hands?
Wash hands often because disease-causing germs can easily be transferred to food, surfaces, and people.
Germs cannot be seen with the naked eye. Warmth and moisture (perspiration) on skin surfaces allow germs to quickly grow into millions.
Hands should be washed:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
After using the restroom
After coughing or sneezing
After changing diapers
After handling money
After handling trash or taking out garbage
After petting an animal
After work or play
Whenever hands come in contact with body fluids (i.e. runny nose, watery eyes, saliva)
More frequently when someone in the home is sick
When hands are dirty
Hands should be washed vigorously by scrubbing with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Germs can hide underneath fingernails. Thus, rub tips of fingers along the soapy palm of the alternate hand or use a fingernail brush. Rinse hands well and completely dry with a paper towel or air-dryer. If you will be preparing food, try not to touch potentially contaminated surfaces after washing your hands. Proper handwashing steps are listed on the other side of the page.